Electrical outlet cover with integrated lighting

ABSTRACT

A lighting device and system having a faceplate and a backplate. The faceplate or the backplate may have an arm or a set of arms having electrical conductors to connect or couple to the electrical contact points of an outlet, plug, or switch. The electrical conductors can receive a voltage from a voltage source such as an AC voltage source. A voltage regulation circuit may provide for the regulation or conversion of the voltage source. A switch can allow for a control circuit connected to the voltage regulation circuit to be bypassed or switch from one operational mode to another operational mode. The operational modes may be in an emergency lighting mode, and a nightlight mode. The voltage source can be connected to a light source or sensor through the control circuit or the switch, and the light source may be activated based on the output of the sensor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/984,005, filed May 18, 2018, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/561,308, filed Sep. 21, 2017, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to light emitting devices. Moreparticularly, and not by way of limitation, the present disclosure isdirected to an apparatus, and system for an electrical outlet cover withintegrated lighting.

BACKGROUND

Nightlights, and emergency lighting devices have been around for manyyears, but each have their own individual downfalls. Nightlights inparticular often require at least one electrical outlet or socket to beused, while in some cases both outlets are also used by the nightlight.These lights also can become very hot, and if other items in a room suchas a child's blanket or stuffed animal comes in contact with thenightlight for an extended period then a fire hazard, or even an actualfire can result. For emergency lighting, there is typically no manner ofoperation that allows the light to be utilized in anything other than apower outage. Additionally, these lights typically use at least one ifnot both outlets of a traditional electrical plug outlet or socket.

One of the additional downfalls of these devices is there is no manneror means for dual operation for a nightlight and emergency lighting. Inmany cases, a nightlight cannot operate as an emergency light due to arequirement that they be plugged into an outlet or socket that cannotprovide power during a power outage. Many nightlights also do notinclude light detectors or photovoltaic cell to determine when daylightor other light sources are sufficient to turn off and/or allow thenightlight to cool. Conversely, emergency lights are not conducive touse as nightlights because emergency lights require large batteries orother energy sources that can be utilized in the event of a powerfailure to produce a strong or high intensity light, along withcircuitry to detect when a power failure occurs. These emergency lightsare also often connected together to the battery backup system for anentire building, but cannot provide lighting to pathways or in roomsthat are not connected to the battery backup system.

It would be advantageous to have an apparatus, and system for anelectrical outlet cover with integrated lighting that overcomes thedisadvantages of the prior art. The present disclosure provides such anapparatus and system.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a lighting device. The lightingdevice may be utilized throughout homes, businesses, storage areas, andany place where electrical power can be provided. The lighting devicemay receive an electrical power signal from an electrical power source.Thus, in one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a lightingdevice incorporated within an electrical outlet or socket cover. Thelighting device can receive electrical power from an electrical outletvia the contact points of the plug, outlet and/or switch.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a nightlightdevice incorporated within an electrical outlet or socket cover. Toprovide a small amount of light for those such as, small children orthose that have to get up during the night. In yet another aspect, thepresent disclosure is directed to an emergency light for use during apower failure. When a power failure occurs the lighting device mayactivate its light source to provide light to the area and environmentit has been placed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosure are setforth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe best understood by reference to the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is an illustration of an outlet cover in a front perspectiveview.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of an outlet cover in a rear perspectiveview.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an outlet cover in a rear exploded view.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an outlet cover in a front view.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an outlet cover in a side view.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a light source.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of an alternative outlet cover in rearperspective view.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of an alternative outlet cover in rearperspective view.

FIG. 7 is an illustration block diagram view of a light emitting device.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of a schematic for a portion of a lightemitting device.

FIG. 8B is an illustration of a schematic for a portion of a lightemitting device.

FIG. 9A is an illustration of a front perspective view of an outletcover with a directional indicator.

FIG. 9B is an illustration of a rear perspective view of an outlet coverwith a directional indicator.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a front view of an outlet cover withdirectional indicators.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a block diagram view of an outlet coversystem.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a front view of an outlet cover withdirectional indicators.

FIG. 13A is an illustration of a light source for an outlet cover.

FIG. 13B is an illustration of a light source with extensions for anoutlet cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the disclosure will now be described. FIG. 1A is anillustration of an outlet cover 100A in a front perspective view. Theoutlet cover 100A may have a faceplate 102. The faceplate 102 can alsohave an outlet opening or set of outlet openings 110A and/or 110B. Thefaceplate 102, in one embodiment of the present disclosure would be afaceplate for an electrical outlet, but it would be understood thatother faceplates and/or covers could also be replaced with the outletcover 100A. The other faceplates and/or openings, could include, but arenot limited to, electrical outlets, light switches, alarm boxes,thermostats, and/or objects or devices connected to electrical power.

The faceplate 102 and/or backplate (not illustrated) may also have anarm 106 extending from, affixed to, or attached to the outlet cover100A. The arm 106 can also have an electrical conductor that may attachto a power source, or electrical energy to power a nightlight and/oremergency light circuit. The outlet cover 100A can be connected to anelectrical outlet or switch through a fastener opening 112. The fasteneropening, may allow for any number of fasteners, such as, but not limitedto, screws, nails, clips, adhesives, glues, synthetic materials,dovetail, tongue and groove, post and hole, snaps or a snap likeconnection, or any other attachment means or method, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of an outlet cover 100B in a rear perspectiveview. The outlet cover 100B may have a faceplate 102, and can also havea backplate 104, that in one embodiment of the present disclosure may beremovably coupled. The backplate 104 may be removably coupled to thefaceplate 102 through a set of fasteners 103A, 103B, 103C, and/or 103D(collectively 103). It would be understood that the faceplate 102, andthe backplate 104 may also be removably coupled through other fastenerssuch as screws, nails, clips, adhesives, glues, synthetic materials,dovetail, tongue and groove, post and hole, snaps or a snap likeconnection, or any other attachment means or method, or any combinationthereof.

The backplate 104 may also a first arm 106A and/or a second arm 106B(collectively an arm 106, or an at least one arm). The arm 106 canextend from, be attached and/or affixed to the backplate 104 via afastener(s). The arm 106 may also have an electrical conductor 108 (orat least one electrical conductor) attached, affixed, or housed withinthe arm 106. The electrical conductor 108, may include, but is notlimited to having a bump, square, spring, block, tab, or otherelectrical conducting material and/or shape. The electrical conductor108 can attach or connect to a power source, or electrical signal. Inone embodiment of the present disclosure, the power source, orelectrical signal may be an Alternating Current (“AC”) voltage.

The power source and/or electrical signal may result from replacing atraditional outlet or switch cover or faceplate with the outlet cover100B. The outlet and/or switch can be placed through the outlet openings110A and/or 110B. It would be understood that different configurationsof the outlet opening(s) could also be utilized such as, but not limitedto, a single plug or switch configuration, a double plug or switchconfiguration, a triple plug or switch configuration, a quad plug orswitch configuration, and/or as may plugs or switches as may be used ina particular configuration. The outlet cover 100B can be attached to anoutlet or switch through a fastener opening 112, and additional openingsmay be utilized if a different plug and/or switch configuration isutilized.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch 140 may beutilized to switch or shift between multiple operating modes of theoutlet cover 100B. The switching or shifting between multiple operatingmodes may be an instantaneous or approximately instantaneous switchingor shifting. The switch 140 may be attached, affixed, and/or housedwithin the faceplate 102 and/or the backplate 104. The operating modescan include, but are not limited to, a nightlight mode and/or anemergency lighting mode.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an outlet cover 200 in a rear explodedview. The outlet cover 200 may be comprised of a faceplate 202, and/or abackplate 204. The faceplate 202, and/or backplate 204 may also connect,affix, attach, and/or comprise an arm 206. The arm 206 may have anelectrical conductor 208 connected, affixed, attached, and/or housedwithin it. The arm 206, and/or the electrical conductor 208 may alsohave wires or other electrically conductive materials affixed, attached,and/or housed within them

The outlet cover 200 may also have a light source 214 for producing,generating, and/or emitting light. A control circuit 216 can controlwhen and/or if the light source 214 is active. The control circuit 216may also be connected to a battery 218. The battery 218 can allow forthe storing of energy from an incoming voltage source. The light source214, the control circuit 216, and/or the battery 218 can be connected,attached, affixed, and/or housed within the outlet cover 200. Forexample, in one embodiment of the present disclosure the light source214, the control circuit 216, and/or the battery 218 may be removablyconnected, attached, affixed, and/or housed within the faceplate 202.Alternatively, the light source 214, the control circuit 216, and/or thebattery 218 may be removably connected, attached, affixed, and/or housedwithin the backplate 204.

The battery 218 may be connected to the power source, and/or electricalsignal through the control circuit 216. Alternatively, the battery mayalso be connected directly or indirectly to the electrical conductor 208through wires or other electrically conductive materials. The battery218 may also provide energy and/or power to the light source 214. In oneembodiment of the present disclosure, the light source 214 may bedirectly or indirectly connected to the power source, and/or electricalsignal. The light source 214 may be housed or enclosed within thefaceplate 202, and/or backplate 204 such that an opening may be createdthat is defined by the faceplate 202 and/or the backplate 204. Thecontrol circuit 216 may also have a switch 240 that may control if theoutlet cover 200 can operate in a nightlight or emergency light mode ofoperation, or some other mode of operation as well.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an outlet cover 300 in a front view. Theoutlet cover 300, may have a faceplate 302, which may also be describedas a cover, a switch or outlet faceplate, or a switch or outlet cover.The faceplate 302 may have, or define at least one outlet opening 310Aand/or 310B (collectively 310). While depicted as an oblong oval orrectangle, it would be understood that any shape could be utilized forthe opening(s) and/or to define an opening or aperture such as, but notlimited to, a square, sphere, cylinders, polygons, ellipses, crescents,cubes, cuboids, ellipsoids, cones, prisms, pyramids, or combinationsthereof.

The faceplate 302 may also have or define a fastener opening 312 thatmay be utilized to place a fastener, such as, but not limited to ascrew, a bolt, a nail, adhesives, glues, synthetic fasteners, metallicfasteners, wood fasteners, alloy fasteners, wood fasteners, other formsor types of fasteners, and/or any combination thereof. The faceplate 302can also have a light source 314, which in one embodiment may include alight bar, and/or a combination of light bulbs or light emitting diodessuch as, but not limited to, LEDs, and/or OLEDs (or at least on LED orOLED). An indicator 320, and/or a sensor 322 may also be housed withinthe faceplate 302 and/or backplate (not illustrated), or have anaperture, housing, and/or void defined by the faceplate 302 and/orbackplate (not illustrated). The indicator 320 can be utilized, but notlimited to, informing a user when a power source is providing powerand/or energy to the outlet cover 300, when the battery is active,and/or which mode the outlet cover is operating in. The indicator 320may also be placed in aperture defined by the faceplate 302, and/orbackplate 304, or affixed to the faceplate 302 directly or through alens. The sensor 322 (or at least one sensor) may include but is notlimited to, a light sensor, photo resistor, photodiode, and/orphototransistor, for detecting and/or measuring the amount of ambientlight, or other environmental conditions in a local environment. Thesensor 322 may also be placed in aperture defined by the faceplate 302,and/or backplate 304, or affixed to the faceplate 302 directly orthrough a lens to allow it to respond to environmental conditions. Inone embodiment, the sensor 322 may also include at least one sensor orother environmental sensors such as, but not limited to, humidity,temperature, air quality, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogendioxide, vibration, accelerometer, microphones, sound detection, gassensors, pressure sensors, tilt sensors, weather, and/or other sensorsthat may include or provide a signal or indication of an environmentalevent.

A sound emitter 341 may also be housed within the faceplate 302 and/orbackplate (not illustrated), or have an aperture, housing, and/or voiddefined by the faceplate 302 and/or backplate (not illustrated). Thesound emitter 341 can be coupled to the control circuit (notillustrated) and allow for a sound to be emitted continuously orintermittently from the outlet cover 300 for a specified amount of time,such as but not limited to, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and/or 30 minutesafter a power failure has occurred and the power has not been restored.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outlet cover 300 mayhave a front surface 338 that may comprise a first angled section 324, atop angled section 326, a second angled section 328, a bottom angledsection 330, a top flat section 332, a bottom flat section 334, or amiddle flat section 336. The angled sections 324, 326, 328, and/or 330may in one embodiment of the present disclosure, provide an outerboundary of the faceplate 302. Wherein the flat sections 332, 334,and/or 336 can provide an area for the outlet opening(s) 310. It wouldbe understood, that in alternative embodiments the angled sections mayalso be rounded, flat, and/or squared, or any other decorative profileand/or shape, while the flat surfaces may in alternative embodiments canbe angled, rounded, textured, or any other decorative profile and/orshape.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an outlet cover 400 in a side view. Theoutlet cover 400, may have a faceplate 402, and/or a backplate 404. Thefaceplate 402, and the backplate 404 may be connected or coupledtogether through fasteners (not shown). The faceplate 402, and/or thebackplate 404 may also define or provide for an outlet opening(s)410A/410B. An arm 406 can be connected, affixed, and/or coupled to thefaceplate 402, or the backplate 404. In alternative embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the arm 406 may be made, manufactured, or formedwith the faceplate 402, or the backplate 404.

An electrical conductor 408 may be housed within, affixed, connected, orcoupled with the arm 406. The electrical conductor 408 can be a roundedbutton, or bump that can have any number of shapes or profiles thatwould allow it to touch, couple, and/or connect to a power source. Theelectrical conductor 408 may also have wires or other conductors coupledto it, in order to couple or connect it to a control circuit 416, and/ora battery 418. The control circuit 416 can control the operational mode(or at least one operational mode) of the outlet cover 400, and/or thelight source 414. The light source 414 may generate or emitting light inany number of directions, in one embodiment the light source maygenerate light in a downward or 0 degree position 415A. While in otherembodiments, the light might be generated in a horizontal or 90 degreeposition 415C, or any number of angles or position 415B in between suchas, but not limited to 30 or 45 degree positions. The positions arereferred to and/or relative to a downward position, with the angle beextended in a rotational arc upward and forward (front side) of theoutlet cover 400. For example, if the outlet cover is placed in anelectrical outlet, with the light source on the bottom side of theoutlet cover (i.e., the light source is facing the floor) then the lightin these various positions could light the baseboards in the downwardposition, to the opposite side of a hallway or room in the horizontalposition. The operational modes (or at least two operational modes) caninclude, but are not limited to, a nightlight mode, and/or an emergencylight mode. The operational modes may be switched and/or added togetherby a switch 440.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outlet cover 400 may bein the nightlight operational mode, allowing a light source 414 togenerate light based on a sensor indicating when the room or location isno longer sufficiently lighted. The nightlight mode may also include theemergency lighting mode in alternative embodiments or may be usedexclusively without the emergency lighting mode. The emergency lightingmode may be activated when there is no power or energy provided to thecontrol circuit 416 by the electrical conductor(s) 408. The operationalmodes may be used exclusively or in combination.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a light source 516. The light source may beconnected, coupled, and/or affixed to an outlet cover (not shown). Inone embodiment of the present disclosure, the light source 516 may beclipped via clip 542A and/or clip 542B within the light emitting device.The light source 516 can also have at least one light bulb, wherein thelight bulb is illustrated as light bulb 544A, light bulb 544B, and/orlight bulb 544C (collectively light bulbs 544). It would be understoodthat these light bulbs may include any number of light emitting sources,including, but not limited to LEDs, OLEDs, and other types or forms ofbulbs, or any combinations thereof. For example, the at least one lightbulb, may be an at least one LED. These light bulbs may also be set atvarious angles to produce varying degrees, and/or distributions oflight. In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, each ofthe light bulbs may be set at a different angle, e.g., light bulb 544Amay be set at a downward or 0 degree position, while light bulb 544B isset at a 30 degree position, and/or light bulb 544C is set at a 45degree position. In another alternative embodiment, the light bulbs mayeach have varying degrees of light distribution based on theirconstruction or manufacturer. For example, light bulbs 544A and/or 544Cmay have a 15 degree light distribution angle, while light bulb 544B hasa light distribution angle of 30 degrees allowing for a broader or moreexpansive light distribution. In another embodiment, a lens 546 may alsobe utilized to control, and/or vary the light distribution of lightbulbs 544, while it would be understood that the lens 546 may also besplit, sectioned, and/or have portions that may vary the lightdistribution of each individual light bulb.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of an alternative outlet cover 600A in rearperspective view. The outlet cover 600A may have a faceplate 602, and/ora backplate 604. The faceplate 602, and backplate 604 may be attached,connected, and/or coupled together via a fastener. The faceplate 602,and/or backplate 604 may allow for, provide, and/or define a switchopening 650 to allow for a light switch, such as, but not limited to aflip or toggle switch, or a single pole, or double pole switch.

The faceplate 602, and/or backplate 604, may have a first arm 652 or asecond arm 654 attached, coupled, connected, and/or affixed to them. Inone embodiment of the present disclosure, the first arm 652 may touchand/or couple with one electrical conductor or power source nodes via anelectrical conductor (not shown). Similarly, the second arm 654 maytouch and/or couple with one electrical conductor or power source nodesvia an electrical conductor (not shown).

FIG. 6B is an illustration of an alternative outlet cover 600B in rearperspective view. The outlet cover 600B may have a faceplate 602, and/ora backplate 604. The faceplate 602, and backplate 604 may be attached,connected, and/or coupled together via a fastener. The faceplate 602,and/or backplate 604 may allow for, provide, and/or define a switch oroutlet opening 660 to allow for a light switch, such as, but not limitedto a rocker switch, a switch and/or sensor, a flip or toggle switch, ora single pole, or double pole switch.

The faceplate 602, and/or backplate 604, may have a first arm 662 or asecond arm 664 attached, coupled, connected, and/or affixed to them. Inone embodiment of the present disclosure, the first arm 662 may touchand/or couple with one electrical conductor or power source nodes via anelectrical conductor (not shown). Similarly, the second arm 664 maytouch and/or couple with one electrical conductor or power source nodesvia an electrical conductor (not shown).

FIG. 7 is an illustration block diagram view of an outlet cover system700. The outlet cover system 700 may have an incoming voltage source 702that can in one embodiment of the present disclosure be an AlternatingCurrent or AC voltage source. In one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the incoming voltage source 702 may be received by an atleast one conductor (not shown). The incoming voltage source 702, may beregulated and/or converted to a DC operating voltage by a voltageregulation circuit 704 to regulate the incoming voltage from theincoming voltage source 702. The output of the voltage regulationcircuit 704 can be a regulated voltage 706, the regulated voltage canbe, but is not limited to, sent to a battery 708, a control circuit 710,and/or a switch 712. The battery 708, can in alternative embodiments ofthe present disclosure be coupled and/or connected to a battery chargingcircuit that may utilize the regulated voltage 706. The control circuit710 can allow the outlet cover system 700 to provide a light sourceduring a power outage by activating the battery, and/or opening aconnection or coupling between the light source and the battery 708. Thecontrol circuit 710 may in one embodiment of the present disclosure alsoinclude the switch 712.

The switch 712 allows the battery and/or control circuit 710 to bebypassed and the regulated voltage to be passed to the input voltagenode 714. The switch 712 may allow for the controlling a connectionbetween the light source 718, the battery 708, and the regulated voltage706. The input voltage node 714 may provide a voltage to a sensor 716,and/or a light source 718. The sensor 716, can be connected to a switch720 that may be connected to the light source 718, with all of thesebeing coupled to a ground 722. The sensor 716, may include, but is notlimited to, a light sensor, a photo resistor, a photodiode, and/or aphototransistor.

It would be understood, that a ground 722 can be placed within thecircuit at any number of points and could also be illustrated by morethan one ground. The switch 712 may prevent a current from passingthrough the light source 718 when a sufficient level of light isdetected within the room or environment that the outlet cover system isplaced in. For example, when utilized in a nightlight operational mode,the sensor 716 may prevent the light source from operating if anadditional light, and a sufficient amount of sunlight has entered theroom. Alternatively, in an emergency lighting operational mode thesensor 716 may be utilized to conserve the battery 708, and allow forthe light source to be utilized for the maximum number of days, hours,and/or minutes. In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure,the battery and/or control circuit may be considered an emergencylighting circuit, while the switch 712, and/or the sensor 716 may beconsidered a nightlight circuit.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of a schematic for a portion of an outletcover system 800A. The outlet cover system may have a high power sourceinput 802A, and a low power source input 802B, it would understood thatin alternative embodiments the low power source input 802B may also beconsidered a ground 860. However, in alternative embodiments it may bethe neutral, or a second “hot” line of an AC voltage. The high powersource input 802A may be coupled to a fuse 804. The fuse 804 would be ofa sufficient size to prevent an overcurrent, and/or an overvoltage fromoccurring within the circuit.

Coupled to the fuse 804 may be a resistance 806, the resistance may haveat least one resistor, or may have a combination of resistors in seriesand/or parallel to create a specific desired resistance value. Theresistance 806 may be coupled with a resistance, and/or capacitor or andRC block 808. It would be understood that the R in RC would stand forresistance or a resistor, and the C would stand for capacitance or acapacitor. The resistance and capacitance while illustrated in aparallel configuration, could be in a series, and a combination ofseries and parallel to create the desired resistance and capacitancecombination.

The RC block 808 may be coupled between diode 810A and/or diode 810C,while the low power source input 802B may be coupled between diodes 810Band/or diode 810D. It would be understood that diodes 810A, 810B, 810C,and/or 810D collectively would be a bridge rectifier 810. The bridgerectifier 810 may be utilized to convert an AC voltage to a DC voltage.The output of the bridge rectifier 810 may include a diode 812, whichcan in one embodiment of the present disclosure be a Zener diode, and/ora capacitor 814 that may be in a series and/or parallel configuration,or a combination thereof. A voltage regulator 818 may be utilized tomaintain a specific voltage, and/or condition the DC voltage from thebridge rectifier. A capacitor 816 can be utilized to smooth or removetransients from the input of the voltage regulator 818, by coupling theinput of the voltage regulator 818 to ground via the capacitor 816.Similarly, a capacitor 820A can be utilized to smooth or removetransients from the output of the voltage regulator 818, by coupling theoutput of the voltage regulator 818 to ground via the capacitor 820A.The node A may be used as a reference to connections or nodes throughoutthe circuit that may have the same voltage or current as node A.

FIG. 8B is an illustration of a schematic for a portion of an outletcover system 800B. The portion of the outlet cover system 800Billustrated in FIG. 8B is connected and/or coupled to the portion of theoutlet cover system 800A illustrated in FIG. 8A by node A. It would beunderstood, that these portions may be one circuit, and/or multiplecircuits coupled together.

Node A is coupled to a battery charger 822 that may receive theregulated voltage at its voltage input terminal. The output voltage ofthe battery charger 822 may run to a battery 830, or an at least onebattery, as more than one battery may be utilized in alternativeembodiments of the present disclosure. The battery charger 822 may haveadditional inputs and/or outputs. These inputs and outputs may beconnected or coupled to ground via resistance 824, resistance 826,and/or capacitors 820B. The output of the battery charger 822, whileconnected or coupled to the battery 830, the output may also be coupledor connected to a transistor 832. A second transistor 834 may also becoupled directly or indirectly to the output of the battery charger 822.

The transistor 832 may be coupled to the output of the battery charger822, Node A, and/or transistor 834. The transistor 832 is configured toprevent additional voltage and/or current from being connected orcoupled to the battery 830 at node 868, while it may also allow for thebattery 830 to be connected or coupled to a light source. The transistor834 allows for a current and/or voltage to sense or seen at the sensingnode 864 that can be between the transistors 832/834. A first diode 838may be coupled to node A, while a second diode 840 may be coupled to thesensing node 864. The first diode 838 and the second diode 840 may inone embodiment of the present disclosure be a Light Emitting Diodes orLEDs, however, other light emitting elements may also be substituted.The first diode 838 may provide an indication when the outlet coversystem 800A/800B is connected and/or coupled to a power source or an ACvoltage. The second diode 840 may provide an indication of when thebattery is being utilized in the event of a power failure.

The transistor 834 can be coupled to a sensor 842, a switch 854, and/ora light source 852 at a node 866. The sensor 842 can be a light sensor,a photo resistor, a photodiode, a phototransistor, or other forms oflight detecting sensors. The sensor 842 may provide for the detection oflight, and/or allow current to pass through as light may be sensed bythe sensor. The sensor 842 may be coupled to a comparator 844, and/or aRC block 846. The RC block 846 may be utilized to smooth, or limit theamount of current and/or voltage on an input node of the comparator 844.The comparator 844 may have at least two inputs, and at least oneoutput. The first input may be coupled to the sensor 842; the secondinput may be left floating or have a null value coupled to it, and theoutput may be coupled to a transistor 828, a transistor 850, and/or aresistance 848. The output of the comparator may trigger when the sensor842 indicates that it no longer senses sufficient light within the localenvironment, while alternatively the comparator may also trigger whenthe sensor 842 indicates that it sense sufficient light within the localenvironment. The output of the comparator 844 may cause the transistor850 to couple the light source 852 to ground, and thus allowing currentto pass through the light source 852.

The light source 852 may be comprised of at least one light bulb,wherein the at least one light bulb may be a Light Emitting Diode orLED, or an Organic LED or OLED. In one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the light source 852 may be comprised of light bulb 853A,light bulb 853B, and/or light bulb 853C. The light source 852 may becoupled to the transistor 850, a switch 854, the sensor 842, and/or thetransistor 834. The switch 854 may allow the regulated voltage to becoupled directly or indirectly to the light source 852. The switch 854may be a physical switch that a user may move to indicate whether theswitch connects or disconnects the regulated voltage from the lightsource. When the switch is in a disconnected position, the outlet coversystem 800A/800B may be in an emergency lighting operational mode,wherein the outlet cover system 800A/800B can utilize an emergency lightcircuit that may comprise, but is not limited to, the battery 830, thetransistor 832/834, and the light source 852. When the switch 854 is inthe connected state, the outlet cover system 800A/800B may operate in anightlight operational mode wherein the outlet cover system 800A/800Bcan nightlight circuit that may include, but is not limited to, thesensor 842, the comparator 844, and the light source 852.

The switch may be coupled to a diode block 856 that may be utilized toprevent voltage and/or current from being seen on the regulated voltageoutput of the voltage regulator (not shown). The battery charger 822 mayhave an input connected or coupled to a resistance 826, and/or atransistor 828. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, thetransistor 828 can be coupled to the output of the comparator 844. NodeA may also be referenced as node A 858.

FIG. 9A is an illustration of an outlet cover 900A with a directionalindicator 982. The outlet cover 900A can have a faceplate 902. Thefaceplate 902 can define outlet openings 910A and/or 910B (collectively910). In some embodiments, the outlet openings 910 may also includeswitch openings, dimmer openings, usb outlet openings, audio connectoropenings, video connector openings, and/or other openings defined by thefaceplate 902 that would allow for a cable and/or connector to passthrough the faceplate. The outlet cover 900A may also have an arm 906.In at least one embodiment, the arm 906 includes a conductor housedwithin it that allows for the coupling of the outlet cover 900A with anelectrical system (not illustrated). The electrical system may be ahouse, and/or building electrical system that may include AC and/or DCvoltage or currents. The outlet cover 900A may be coupled to anelectrical outlet (not illustrated) through a fastener (not illustrated)and a fastener opening 912.

In at least one embodiment, the outlet cover 900A has a light source913. The light source 913 may include at least one Light Emitting Diode(LED). In some embodiments, the light source 913 may also have adirectional indicator 982. The directional indicator 982 may includearrows indicating a direction to the right or left of an axis traversingthe outlet openings 910, and/or to the right or left of the outlet cover900A. The directional indicator 982 may be dual directional and/orindicating that both directions can be utilized for an exit, or thedirectional indicator 982 may include a single direction as selected bya user before the outlet cover 900A is installed. In at least oneexample, the outlet cover 900A may have a test button 990. The testbutton 990 can also include a test circuit (not illustrated) to allowfor testing a power source coupled to the outlet cover 900A, such as aAC power source or a battery. The test button 990 may be coupled to apower source, and/or a battery.

FIG. 9B is an illustration of a rear perspective view of an outlet cover900B. The outlet cover 900B includes a backplate 904. While thebackplate 904 may be molded, glued and/or secured to the faceplate (notillustrated), it may also be secured with fastener(s) 903A, 903B, 903C,and/or 903D (collectively 903). In some embodiments, one fastener may beutilized, while in other embodiments more than one fastener 903 may beutilized. The backplate 904 may define an outlet opening 910A, and anoutlet opening 910B (collectively 910). The outlet opening(s) 910 mayalso be switch openings, cable connector openings, audio/video connectoropenings, and/or other openings for various connectors and/or objects.The outlet cover 900B may also be fastened to an outlet device (notillustrated) with a fastener (not illustrated) through a fasteneropening 912 that is defined by the outlet cover 900B. The outlet cover900B can have arm(s) 906A, and/or 906B (collectively 906) that extendrearward from the backplate 904.

The outlet cover 900B can also have a first switch 940A and a secondswitch 940B. In at least one embodiment, the first switch 940A can beutilized to know which operational mode the outlet cover 900B isoperating in. For example, the outlet cover 900B may operate in anightlight mode that turns the light on when the light level in the roomand/or location of the outlet cover 900B drops below a threshold, and aemergency lighting mode that turns on when there is no power detected atthe outlet device, and the light level drops below a threshold. Thesecond switch 940B can indicate which direction a directional indicator(not illustrated) may indicate. For example, the switch 940B may be in aright or first position that indicates that a right arrow will beindicated, a second or neutral position for indicating that bothdirections will be indicated and a third position or left position toindicate that a left arrow will be indicated. It would be understoodthat these directions are for illustrative purposes and a right positionmay indicate a left arrow, and a left position may indicate a rightarrow.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a front view of an outlet cover 1000. Theoutlet cover 1000 can include a faceplate 1002. The faceplate 1002 canhave angled sections 1024, 1026, 1028, and/or 1030. The angled sections1024, 1026, 1028, and/or 1030 can provide support, and a housing for thelight source 1014, indicator 1020, sensor 1022, and/or other additionalcircuitry. The outlet cover 1000 can also have flat sections 1032,and/or 1034 that can provide support, and a housing for directionalindicators 1081A and/or 1081B (collectively 1081) and/or directionalindicators 1082A and/or 1082B (collectively 1082).

The angled sections and the flat sections can also define the outletopenings 1010A and/or 1010B. In at least one example, the outlet cover1000 can be secured with a fastener (not illustrated) through fasteneropening 1012. The outlet cover 1000 may also have a indicator 1020 thatallows a user to know when the outlet cover 1000 is connected to anelectrical power source. For example, the indicator may turn green whenthe outlet cover 1000 is connected to power, but may turn red or offwhen the outlet cover 1000 is not connected to power or there is a poweroutage. The outlet cover 1000 may also have a sensor 1022 for detectingthe ambient light. For example, if the light in a room exceeds athreshold level as recorded and/or sensed by the sensor 1022 then thelight source 1014 may be turned off. Alternatively, if the light in aroom or location drops below a threshold level as recorded and/or sensedby the sensor 1022 then the light source 1014 may be turned on. In atleast one embodiment, when the light source 1014 is turned on one ormore of the directional indicator(s) 1080, and/or 1081 may also beactivated. In another example, the sensor 1022 may also include anenvironmental quality sensor such as a smoke or air quality sensor thatwhen triggered (the air quality is below a threshold value, or when asmoke sensor detects smoke above a threshold value) then bothdirectional indicator 1080 and 1081 will turn on. It should be notedthat a user (not illustrated) may select a single direction, rightdirectional indicator 1080A and/or 1081A, a left directional indicator1080B and/or 1081B, or both directions directional indicators 1080A,1080B, 1081A, and 1081B. The outlet cover 1000 may also have a soundemitter 1041, capable of producing an audible alarm or sound to indicatewhen there is a power outage, or if there is an environmental conditionthat a user (not illustrated) should be notified about. For example,when a fire and/or smoke is detected.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a block diagram view of an outlet coversystem 1100. The outlet cover system 1100 may have an incoming voltagesource 1102 that can in one embodiment be an Alternating Current or ACvoltage source. In another embodiment, the incoming voltage source 1102may be received by an at least one conductor (not shown). The incomingvoltage source 1102, may be regulated and/or converted to a DC operatingvoltage by a voltage regulation circuit 1104 to regulate the incomingvoltage from the incoming voltage source 1102. The output of the voltageregulation circuit 1102 can be a regulated voltage 1106, the regulatedvoltage can be, but is not limited to, sent to a battery 1108, a controlcircuit 1110, and/or a switch 1112. The battery 1108, can in alternativeembodiments be coupled and/or connected to a battery charging circuitthat may utilize the regulated voltage 1106. The control circuit 1110can allow the outlet cover system 1110 to provide a light source duringa power outage by activating the battery, and/or opening a connection orcoupling between a light source and the battery 1108. The controlcircuit 1110 may in one embodiment also include the switch 1112.

The switch 1112 allows the battery and/or control circuit 1110 to bebypassed and the regulated voltage to be passed to the input voltagenode 1114. The switch 1112 may allow for the controlling a connectionbetween the light source 1118, the battery 1108, and the regulatedvoltage 1106. The input voltage node 1114 may provide a voltage to asensor 1116, and/or a light source 1118. The sensor 1116, can beconnected to a switch 1120 that may be connected to the light source1118, with all of these being coupled to a ground 1122. The sensor 1116,may include, but is not limited to, a light sensor, a photo resistor, aphotodiode, and/or a phototransistor. The sensors 1116 may activate theswitch 1120 allowing the light source 1118 to be activated. Directionalindicator(s) 1119A and/or 1119B (collectively 1119) may also be coupledto the switch 1120. In at least one embodiment, the directionalindicator(s) 1119A and/or 1119B are light sources, and/or Light EmittingDiodes (LEDs). However, other light sources may also be utilized. Thedirectional indicator 1119A may in at least one example, be a rightdirectional indicator, and indicator 1119B, can in at least one example,be a left directional indicator. The directional indicators 1119 may becontrolled and/or activated by a switch 1121A and/or 1121B (collectively1121). In at least one embodiment, the directional indicators 1119 maybe controlled by a signal switch 1121. The single switch may allow forthe directional indicator(s) 1119 to be selected as a right only, leftonly, or both directional indicators.

FIG. 12 is a front view illustration of an outlet cover 1200. The outletcover 1200 can include a faceplate 1202. The faceplate 1202 can haveangled sections 1224, 1226, 1228, and/or 1230. The angled sections 1224,1226, 1228, and/or 1230 can provide support, and a housing for the lightsource 1214, indicator 1220, sensor 1222, and/or other additionalcircuitry. The outlet cover 1200 can also have flat sections 1232,and/or 1234 that can provide support, and a housing for directionalindicators 1281A and/or 1281B (collectively 1281) and/or directionalindicators 1282A and/or 1282B (collectively 1282). The light source 1214may include Light Emitting Diode(s) (LED) or other light sources capableof receiving power and/or electrical energy and converting it into avisible wavelength of light. The light source 1214 may extend along thebottom of the outlet cover 1200, and extend along both sides of theoutlet cover. The portion of the light source 1214 that extends alongthe side may emit on a wall (not illustrated) a side directionalindicator 1283A and/or 1283B. Each of the side directional indicator1283A and/or 1283B may be used individually or together, and beactivated by a switch or directional control switch (not illustrated).In at least one example, the outlet cover 1200 may also have testapparatus 1291A, 1291B, and/or 1291C (collectively 1291) defined by oneor more of said flat sections or angled sections. The test apertures1291 can allow for a testing device (not illustrated) to be utilized forverifying the strength of a power source coupled to the outlet cover1200.

The angled sections and the flat sections can also define the outletopenings 1210A and/or 1210B. In at least one example, the outlet cover1200 can be secured with a fastener (not illustrated) through fasteneropening 1212. The outlet cover 1200 may also have a indicator 1020 thatallows a user to know when the outlet cover 1200 is connected to anelectrical power source. For example, the indicator may turn green whenthe outlet cover 1200 is connected to power, but may turn red or offwhen the outlet cover 1200 is not connected to power or there is a poweroutage. The outlet cover 1200 may also have a sensor 1222 for detectingthe ambient light. For example, if the light in a room exceeds athreshold level as recorded and/or sensed by the sensor 1222 then thelight source 1214 may be turned off. Alternatively, if the light in aroom or location drops below a threshold level as recorded and/or sensedby the sensor 1222 then the light source 1214 may be turned on.

In at least one embodiment, when the light source 1214 is turned on oneor more of the directional indicator(s) 1280, and/or 1281 may also beactivated. In another example, the sensor 1222 may also include anenvironmental quality sensor such as a smoke or air quality sensor thatwhen triggered (the air quality is below a threshold value, or when asmoke sensor detects smoke above a threshold value) then bothdirectional indicator 1280 and 1281 will turn on. It should be notedthat a user (not illustrated) may select a single direction, rightdirectional indicator 1280A and/or 1281A, a left directional indicator1280B and/or 1281B, or both directions directional indicators 1280A,1280B, 1281A, and 1281B. The outlet cover 1200 may also have a soundemitter 1241, capable of producing an audible alarm or sound to indicatewhen there is a power outage, or if there is an environmental conditionthat a user (not illustrated) should be notified about. For example,when a fire and/or smoke is detected. In at least one example, thedirectional indicator(s) 1281 and/or 1283, light source 1214, indicator1220 may be of various colors in the visible light spectrum. Forexample, the light source 1214 may provide a light output that is thecolor white, while the directional indicator(s) 1281 and/or 1283 may bered or white.

FIG. 13A is an illustration of a light source 1314 for an outlet cover.The light source 1314 can have light bulb(s) 1344A, 1344B, and/or 1344Cthat allow for light to be passed through a lens 1346. In at least oneexample, the light bulb(s) 1344A, 1344B, and/or 1344C are Light EmittingDiode(s) (LEDs). The light source 1314 may also have indicator lightbulb(s) 1386A and/or 1386B. The indicator light bulb(s) may pass throughan arrow lens 1385A, and/or 1385B. The one or both of the indicatorlight bulb(s) 1386 and arrow lense(s) 1382 may be utilized to signal auser in a specific direction in the event of a power outage or otherevent. The light source 1314 may also have clip(s) 1342A and/or 1342Bthat allow for the light source to be secured to and/or within a outletcover (not illustrated).

FIG. 13B is an illustration of an extended light source 1314 for anoutlet cover. The light source 1314 can have light bulb(s) 1344A 1344B,and/or 1344C that allow for light to be passed through a lens 1346. Inat least one example, the light bulb(s) 1344A, 1344B, and/or 1344C areLight Emitting Diode(s) (LEDs). The light source 1314 may also haveindicator light bulb(s) 1388A and/or 1388B. The light source 1314 mayhave extensions 1387A and/or 1387B that allow the light source 1314 toextend along the sides of an outlet cover (not illustrated). Theextensions 1387A and/or 1387B may also include the indicator lightbulb(s) 1388A and/or 1388B (collectively 1388). In at least one example,the indicator light bulb(s) 1388 may be Light Emitting Diode(s) (LEDs)or other light emitting devices. The light source 1314 may also haveclip(s) 1342A and/or 1342B that allow for the light source to be securedto and/or within a outlet cover (not illustrated).

While this disclosure has been particularly shown and described withreference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend the disclosure to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisdisclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosedherein have been described above, it should be understood that they havebeen presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, thebreadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only inaccordance with any claims and their equivalents issuing from thisdisclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are providedin described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of suchissued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all ofthe above advantages.

Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistencywith the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or otherwise to provideorganizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize theinvention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure.Specifically, and by way of example, although the headings refer to a“Technical Field,” the claims should not be limited by the languagechosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, adescription of a technology as background information is not to beconstrued as an admission that certain technology is prior art to anyembodiment(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Brief Summary” to beconsidered as a characterization of the embodiment(s) set forth inissued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to“invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there isonly a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple embodimentsmay be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claimsissuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define theembodiment(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In allinstances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their ownmerits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by theheadings set forth herein.

We claim:
 1. An outlet cover comprising: a faceplate and a backplate; atleast one arm having an electrical conductor extending from thebackplate; a sensor for detecting ambient light; a light source attachedto the outlet cover, wherein the light source further comprises at leastone directional indicator; a control circuit having at least twooperational modes and coupled to the light source; and a switch coupledto the control circuit for shifting between the at least two operationalmodes, wherein the at least two operational modes are an emergencylighting mode and a nightlight mode and during the nightlight mode theemergency lighting mode may still be utilized.
 2. The outlet cover ofclaim 1, wherein the backplate is removably coupled to the faceplate. 3.The outlet cover of claim 1, wherein the faceplate and the backplateeach define at least one outlet opening.
 4. The outlet cover of claim 1,wherein the at least on arm is removably coupled to the backplate. 5.The outlet cover of claim 1, wherein the electrical conductor is coupledto the control circuit.
 6. The outlet cover of claim 1, wherein thesensor is a photodiode.
 7. The outlet cover of claim 1, wherein thelight source is connected to a lens.
 8. The outlet cover of claim 1,wherein the light source further comprises at least one LED.
 9. Theoutlet cover of claim 1, further comprises a sound emitter.
 10. Theoutlet cover of claim 1, further comprises a battery coupled to thecontrol circuit.
 11. The outlet cover of claim 1, further comprises asecond switch for selecting a direction for the at least one directionalindicator.
 12. The outlet cover of claim 11, wherein the second switchmay select from right, left or both for the at least one directionalindicator.
 13. A outlet cover system comprising: at least one electricalconductor for receiving a voltage from an incoming voltage source; avoltage regulation circuit to regulate the voltage from the incomingvoltage source and generate a regulated voltage; a battery for storingenergy from the regulated voltage; a light source connected by a controlcircuit to the battery and the regulated voltage, wherein the lightsource further comprises at least one directional indicator; at leastone sensor coupled to the control circuit for detecting environmentalconditions; and a switch connected to the control circuit forcontrolling a connection between the light source, the battery, and theregulated voltage; wherein the outlet cover system further comprises asecond switch for selecting a direction for the at least one directionalindicator.
 14. The outlet cover system of claim 13, wherein the voltageregulation circuit includes a voltage regulator.
 15. There outlet coversystem of claim 13, wherein the at least one electrical conductor iscoupled to the voltage regulation circuit.
 16. The outlet cover systemof claim 13, wherein the regulated voltage is a DC voltage.
 17. Theoutlet cover system of claim 13, wherein the control circuit has atleast two operational modes.
 18. The outlet cover system of claim 17,wherein the at least two operational modes are an emergency lightingmode, and a nightlight mode.
 19. The outlet cover system of claim 18,wherein the emergency lighting mode further comprises coupling thebattery to the light source.